The WNBA is set to return for another year, and the 30th season is all set to kick off with an exciting fixture. As basketball fans wait for this, they will witness Paige Bueckers vs Caitlin Clark's rivalry in the opener as the Indiana Fever hosts the Dallas Mavericks.
Clark vs Bueckers: Fever-Wings Open WNBA's 30th Season
The match between the Indiana Fever and the Dallas Mavericks is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which will be the opening night meeting between the two rivals, Clark and Bueckers.
The league had recently revealed the 2026 schedule for the 44 games, highlighted by Fever vs Wings. The two, Clark and Buckers, have developed a notable rivalry through their competitive history in youth basketball. This dates back to their NCAA Tournament battles, which became cultural reference points as much as competitive ones.
However, following the injuries, the two were not able to meet in competitive matches many times. With both players healthy, their meetings this season are expected to be even more. Meanwhile, as the 2026 WNBA season is scheduled to begin Friday, May 8, the playoffs tip off on September 27 with a best-of-three first-round series. This will be followed by a best-of-five semifinals and a best-of-seven finals.
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